Cooperatively-engageable handles

ABSTRACT

A pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising toothed locking elements and cooperative recess elements disposed over locating surfaces of each handle. The handle pair may be joined upon cooperative mechanical engagement of the toothed locking elements with the recess elements, wherein each locating surface of each handle provides additional strength and stability to the attachment system. The cooperatively engaged handles may be release via rotation and clearance of the locking elements from the recess elements.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present United States Non-provisional Utility Patent Application is related to and hereby claims priority to, and the full benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Cooperatively-Engageable Handles,” filed on May 8, 2006, on behalf of Terry Kinskey and Matthew Williams, having assigned Ser. No. 60/746,715.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to handles, and more specifically to a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising a mechanical joint system that functionally provides for a snap-fit association between the handle pair to join same, and further provides for a rotating clearance fit to enable release of each handle from the other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tote bags, tool bags, and other general purpose bags are commonly equipped with a pair of handles to facilitate carriage thereof. Most such handles are often manufactured from durable webbing, such as polypropylene webbing, and may include rubber handgrips integrally formed therewith, or otherwise molded thereover. However, most such bag handles are devoid of any practical means to combine or securely, albeit releasably, join the handles to form a single handle structure; thereby, enabling quick, one-handed grasping thereof.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising a mechanical joint system wherein handle-to-handle attachment is accomplished via compatible or homogenous locking and cooperating recess features disposed on adjoining or abutting locating surfaces of each handle. Engaging the mechanical joint system of each handle effectively provides a single handle structure; thereby, facilitating expeditious and effortless single-handed grasping thereof. There is still a further need for cooperatively-engageable handles releasable via a rotating clearance fit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising toothed locking elements and cooperative recess elements disposed over locating surfaces of each handle. The handle pair may be joined upon cooperative mechanical engagement of the toothed locking elements with the recess elements, wherein each locating surface of each handle provides additional strength and stability to the attachment system. The cooperatively-engaged handles may be release via rotation and clearance of the locking elements from the recess elements.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles, generally comprising a first handle, a second handle, toothed locking elements, recess elements, and locating surfaces.

More specifically, the present invention is a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising a mechanical joint system wherein handle-to-handle attachment is accomplished via toothed locking elements and cooperative recess elements disposed on adjoining or abutting interfaces, or locating surfaces, of each handle. Each locking element comprises a uniformly tapered structure (i.e., truncated pyramidal-shaped, four-sided structure), wherein a shallow tooth extends from a lower surface or side of each locking element. Similarly, each recess comprises a corresponding or compatible tapered structure to accommodate each tapered locking element. Joining the handle pair entails the toothed locking elements of the mechanical joint system snapping into or otherwise engaging within the recess elements, wherein each “tooth” of each locking element is received within a sub-recess or pocket formed in each recess element; thereby, providing the interference required for latching the component handles together.

Each locking element and each recess element are disposed over an interface or locating surface of each handle. The locating surface of each handle provides an accurate plane needed to maintain the geometry and tolerances between the tooth of each locking element and the sub-recess or pocket of each recess element; thereby, effectively mating and retaining each locking element within each recess element. Moreover, engagement of the locking and recess elements of each handle draws together, in abutting relationship, the locating surface of each handle and, as such, further enhances the overall strength and stability of the attachment and handle system (e.g., especially when the handles are downwardly biased due to bag load).

Furthermore, the locking elements, and corresponding recess elements, are disposed over each locating surface in a triangular positional relationship, which effectively functions to evenly distribute load carried by the handles, and to evenly distribute clasping force of the attachment system of the handles. The cooperatively-engaged handles may be released via rotation and clearance of the tapered locking elements from the correspondingly-tapered recess elements.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising a mechanical joint system that functionally provides for a snap-fit association between the handle pair.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles releasable via a rotating clearance fit.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising toothed locking elements receivable within recesses of corresponding or compatible structural configuration.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles comprising tapered locking elements receivable within recesses of corresponding or compatible structural configuration, wherein the tapered configuration of the locking and recess elements provides a rotating clearance fit to enable each handle to release from the other.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is the triangular positional relationship of the locking and recess elements, which effectively enhances overall functional operation and performance characteristics of the handles.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown engaged;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown disengaged;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of a toothed locking element of the cooperatively-engageable handles illustrated in FIG. 2; and,

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of a recess element of the cooperatively-engageable handles illustrated in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2B, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 1-2B, the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a pair of cooperatively-engageable handles 10, comprising first handle 20, which includes toothed locking elements 30 and first locating surface 40, and second handle 50, which includes recess elements 60 and second locating surface 70.

Specifically, handle 20 preferably comprises an outer gripping surface 22 disposed substantially opposite first locating surface 40, wherein toothed locking elements 30 are preferably disposed over, and integrally formed with, locating surface 40. As such, handle 20 is preferably an integrally formed or molded unit, preferably formed from hardened rubber, rubber, plastic, or other suitable material. Additionally, and as best illustrated in FIG. 1, handle 20 may be attached to any bag structure via anchoring bracket 25 (shown in phantom line), or other suitable structural member, which may be enveloped or bound within a folded and stitched fabric loop or flap of the bag. Anchoring bracket 25 may be integrally formed with handle 20, or otherwise secured thereto via adhesives, glues, epoxies, resins, frictional fit, set screws, and/or the like. Moreover, for gripping comfort, handle 20 may comprise integrally formed or molded finger grip portion 27.

Similarly, handle 50 preferably comprises an outer gripping surface 52 disposed substantially opposite second locating surface 70, wherein recessed elements 60 are preferably disposed over, and integrally formed within, locating surface 70. As such, handle 50 is also preferably an integrally formed or molded unit, preferably formed from hardened rubber, rubber, plastic, or other suitable material. Further, and as also illustrated in FIG. 1, handle 50 may be attached to any bag structure via anchoring bracket 55 (shown in phantom line), or other suitable structural member, which may similarly be enveloped or bound within a folded and stitched fabric loop or flap of a bag structure. Moreover, anchoring bracket 55 may be integrally formed with handle 50, or otherwise secured thereto via adhesives, glues, epoxies, resins, frictional fit, set screws, and/or the like. Additionally, for gripping comfort, handle 50 may also comprise integrally formed or molded finger grip portion 57.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2A, each locking element 30 comprises a uniformly tapered structure (i.e., truncated pyramidal-shaped, four-sided structure), wherein a shallow tooth 32 preferably extends from a lower surface or side 30 a of each locking element 30. Similarly, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2B, each recess element 60 comprises a corresponding or compatible tapered structure to accommodate each tapered locking element 30. Joining handles 20, 50 preferably entails toothed locking elements 30 snapping into or otherwise engaging within recess elements 60, wherein each tooth 32 of each locking element 30 is received within a sub-recess or pocket 62 formed in lower inner sidewall 60 a of each recess element 60; thereby, providing the interference required for latching handles 20, 50 together. Although locking elements 30 and recess elements 60 preferably comprise the tapered structural configuration described hereinabove, other structural configurations may be employed, such as, for exemplary purposes only, toothed cylindrical pegs and correspondingly structured recesses, toothed and truncated cone-like pegs and correspondingly structured recesses, non-tapered structural configurations, partially-tapered structural configurations, and the like.

Preferably, locating surfaces 40, 70 of respective handles 20, 50 provide an accurate plane needed to maintain the geometry and tolerances between tooth 32 of each locking element 30 and sub-recess or pocket 62 of each recess element 60; thereby, effectively mating and retaining each locking element 30 within each recess element 60. Moreover, engagement of locking and recess elements 30, 60, respectively, of each handle 20, 50, respectively, draws together, in abutting relationship, locating surfaces 40, 70 of respective handles 20, 50 and, as such, further enhances the overall strength and stability of the attachment and handle system of the present invention (e.g., especially when handles 20, 50 are downwardly biased due to bag load).

Furthermore, locking elements 30, and corresponding recess elements 60, are preferably disposed over each locating surface in a triangular positional relationship, which effectively functions to evenly distribute load carried by the handles, and to evenly distribute clasping force of the attachment system of the handles. However, it should be recognized that other suitable positional relationships between locking elements 30 and recess elements 60 could be employed, such as, for exemplary purposes only, in-line positional relationships, diagonal positional relationships, and the like.

Cooperatively-engaged handles 20, 50 may be released via rotation and clearance of each tapered locking elements 30 from correspondingly-tapered recess elements 60, such that each tooth 32 of each locking element 30 is upwardly lifted and removed from each sub-recess or pocket 62 of each recess 60.

It should be recognized that any number of locking elements 30 and corresponding number of recess elements 60 may be utilized in the present invention.

Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A handle system for use with a container comprising: a first handle having a first mating surface and at least one first locking element disposed on said first mating surface; and a second handle having a second mating surface and at least one second locking element disposed on said second mating surface.
 2. The handle system of claim 1, wherein said second mating surface is substantially conformal to said first mating surface.
 3. The handle system of claim 1, wherein said at least one first locking element comprises a projection from said first mating surface.
 4. The handle system of claim 3, wherein said projection comprises a pyramid.
 5. The handle system of claim 3, wherein said projection comprises a tooth, and wherein said second locking element comprises a recess in said second mating surface, said recess comprising a pocket.
 6. The handle system of claim 5, wherein said projection engages said recess such that said tooth is engaged with said pocket.
 7. The handle system of claim 6, wherein said engagement of said tooth with said pocket limits disengagement of said first handle from said second handle.
 8. The handle system of claim 1, wherein said at least one second locking element comprises a recess in said second mating surface.
 9. The handle system of claim 1, wherein said first handle is cooperatively engageable with said second handle to form an integral gripping structure.
 10. The handle system of claim 9, wherein engagement of said at least one first locking element with said at least one second locking element ensures a desired alignment of said first handle with said second handle when forming said integral gripping surface.
 11. The handle system of claim 9, wherein said first mating surface is generally planar, wherein said second mating surface is generally planar, and wherein integral gripping structure is generally bisected by said first mating surface and said second mating surface.
 12. The handle system of claim 9, wherein said first handle and said second handle are attached to a container, and wherein said at least one first locking element engaged with said at least one second locking element retains said first handle in engagement with said second handle forming said integral gripping surface.
 13. The handle system of claim 12, wherein a separation force applied, to said first handle and said second handle by said container during carriage thereof is opposed by said at least one first locking element in engagement with said at least one second locking element to prevent separation of said first handle from said second handle.
 14. The handle system of claim 9, wherein separation of said first handle from said second handle is accomplished via rotation of said first handle with respect to said second handle in a first direction.
 15. The handle system of claim 14, a force applied to said first handle during carriage of a container attached thereto tends to cause rotation of said first handle with respect to said second handle in a second direction.
 16. The handle system of claim 15, wherein said second direction is generally opposite said first direction.
 17. The handle system of claim 1, wherein said first mating surface is generally planar, and wherein said second mating surface is generally planar.
 18. The handle system of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle are attached to a container.
 19. Cooperatively-engageable handles, comprising: a first handle portion, said first handle portion comprising a locating surface; a second handle portion, said second handle portion comprising a locating surface; a tapered locking element disposed on said locating surface of said first handle portion, said locking element comprising a tooth; and a recess element disposed on said locating surface of said second handle portion, said recess element comprising a pocket, wherein said locking element may be releasably engaged within said recess element, whereupon said tooth of said locking element is received within said pocket of said recess element.
 20. The cooperatively-engageable handles of claim 19, wherein said first handle portion is connected to a first portion of a bag, wherein said second handle portion is connected to a second portion of said bag, and wherein carriage of said bag via said cooperatively-engageable handles retains said first handle portion in cooperative engagement with said second handle portion. 